This is in response to the Sun Journal article (Oct. 21) about Maine roads being in bad shape. I agree that the state, counties and towns have many miles of rural roads and bridges in very poor condition. A few years ago, the Maine Department of Transportation gave miles of roads and bridges to counties and towns with limited funds to maintain or reconstruct them.

The reconstruction of MDOT highways is designed to stay within existing road limits. Some of these projects fall below current design standards. These projects cause the posted speed limits to be changed to meet standards. By only repaving the top few inches of roads, the cracked base is able to undermine the repairs, sometimes in the first year.

The proposed project in Letter D Township is a good example of staying in or near to the existing, old road limits. This design falls below the posted speed limit for Route 17 and does nothing for the alignment or grade. On Nov. 2, MDOT is holding a public meeting at the Rangeley Inn to present its plans and proposed improvements. Years ago, a survey was completed to straighten this section of road, but the work wasn’t done.

I believe money would be better spent if some of the projects were shortened and done correctly. MDOT needs voter support on highway bonds to better serve the taxpayers of the state of Maine.

Richard A. McInnis, Lewiston